St John’s Ambulance Brigade turned out in full force and regalia at Vernon Tempe AME Church to bid farewell, celebrate and honour the life of fallen comrade Larry Packwood, a long time servant of the first aid charity.
However, they were not alone, as the Southampton institution was filled to capacity by family and those touched in some manner by a man described as always willing to go beyond even the extra yard in service of his fellow man.
A bevy of tributes told the tale of a man who had a mission to help save lives of the physically injured, as well as those attempting to impale themselves through substance abuse and relative self-destructive behaviour.
”Larry Packwood was a very special person,” said Jeffrey Borges, Commissioner of St John’s. “He was well liked at St John’s, a person who went over and beyond and will be truly missed, not just by St John’s but a host of people … he was a very honourable man.”
Borges intimated a story of how Mr Packwood had initially not been successful in passing the Emergency Medical Technician’s course, but continued to persevere until he achieved a passing grade.
“Larry stuck to his mission and so was very motivating to others to keep on going and trying to achieve whatever goals they might have,” continued Mr Borges.
Mr Trott, who had earlier preached of his indebtedness to Mr Packwood for his encouragement and assistance, echoed the Commissioner’s remarks regarding the resiliency displayed by Mr Packwood.
Asked which page he’d take from the book that was Mr Packwood’s life, Mr Trott said: “Working hard to get to where you want to be in life, while keeping God at the centre of your life, because without God you can’t get to where you need to be or want to be in your life.”
Also a St John’s Ambulance volunteer, Mr Trott told of a few things the service offered in terms of training for those who might be interested.
“St John’s is a family organisation and if you want to do nursing or be a doctor or EMS, EMR, advanced EMT or even a paramedic, St John’s is the best place to get started in Bermuda, so that you can get to where you want to be in your career field as a medic,” explained Mr Trott. “Larry brought his experience, his wisdom. He brought his knowledge and his skills and we definitely benefited from that.”
After being eulogised at the church there was a parade to the interment at St John’s Church cemetery, with an honour guard performed.
TNN again offers sincere condolences to family and friends of Mr Larry Eugene Samuel Packwood.
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